the Edge news

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The theme for 2018 is "Embrace Your Voice." How will you appropriately talk with your kids about this important topic? Check out this article for some tips on having this conversation with your kids.

Ever struggle to keep up with the ever changing technology that your teens are consuming? Check out Focus on the Family’s first annual Parent’s Guide here! This free resource guide includes an abundance of information including topics such as how the brain works, cyber bullying, video games, and more!

Ever think that what looks like a calculator app would actually be a secret photo storage room? Heard about an app that allows kids to anonymously send rumors? Sadly, these are real apps out there that are being used. Take a look at the full list of apps here.

One primary way that children learn is through observation, so whether you realize it or not, you are an important model. If you want your teens to do well, you not only need to be the leader, but also someone who they feel safe with when they make mistakes.

Last month, we mentioned that it was Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The Medical Institute for Sexual Health address some of the ways in which violence in relationships can be hidden. Take a look at the article here.

With spring break coming soon, you may see your teens more, giving you opportunities to converse. What do you think those conversations will look like? Do you think they will constantly tell you that “you just don’t understand”? In her article about learning to understand teens, Jackie Brewton explains the value in designing visuals which might help your teens understand the parental point of view.

We all might say that we compare ourselves with each other, whether about our athletic abilities, body image, or academic strengths. Young teenage girls, especially, seek the approval of their peers by posting filtered pictures of themselves on social media.

Who’s been watching the
2018 Winter Olympics? Whether you have or not, you’ve surely heard your peers
talking about popular athletes, favorite competitions, etc. Take this
well-known event and use it as time to connect with your kids. Check out Kathy
Koch’s article about ways to communicate with your kids over the
Olympics.